The brainchild of Sonu Shivdasani - an Englishman of Indian descent with an Eton and Oxford education - Soneva Kiri has its foundations in sustainability.

With all the modern conveniences of an up-market resort – including a chocolate cellar, DVD players, and a well-stocked ice-cream store – Soneva Kiri is a series of hidden jungle huts designed for total relaxation. Here guests can completely leave their day-to day lives behind, and walk barefoot through beaches and rustic style island walkways among the natural surroundings.

Water management and reclamation, liquid and solid waste removal, and “aqua-ponics” for cultivating food are other environmentally responsible features that guests don’t regularly see elsewhere.

The brainchild of Sonu Shivdasani – an Englishman of Indian descent with an Eton and Oxford education – Soneva Kiri has its foundations in sustainability. Following the “SLOW LIFE” mantra – “Sustainable; Local; Organic; Wholesome Learning; Inspiring; Fun; Experiences” – the resort practices sustainable systems and building techniques that include solar power, local farming production, and a natural habitat and vegetation for flora and fauna. Water management and reclamation, liquid and solid waste removal, and “aqua-ponics” for cultivating food are other environmentally responsible features that guests don’t regularly see.

A saltwater disappearing edge pool and a secluded strip of sand and sea inlet.

The beach villas are beautifully designed. Schwab describes one complete with a saltwater disappearing edge pool and a secluded strip of sand and sea inlet, while Soneva Kiri‘s “real” beach has calm waters, comfortable hanging hammocks and kayaks. The resort even hosts outdoor movies and activities such as biking, ping pong, and tennis.

Package deals from Charity Buzz range between $500 to $2,500 per day for all-inclusive trips. Flights from the East Coast (NYC) or West Coast (LAX, SFO) to Bangkok are followed by Soneva Kiri’s own Cessna Caravan which heads out of BKK airport to the resort.